What is User-Generated Content + How to Use It to Engage Your Audience

Ever wondered how everyday people become the storytellers for a brand? That's the magic of User-Generated Content (UGC)! It's the cool content your customers create. It may be reviews, photos, or videos that make your brand shine on social media.

UGC has become a trend and also a secret weapon that helps in building strong connections with your audience.

This guide will help you discover the power of UGC and also let you know how it can be useful to attract and engage your audience easily. Let's turn your customers into your brand's biggest supporters!

What is User-Generated Content?

User-Generated Content (UGC) is used as a powerful tool that helps in engaging audiences. But what exactly is UGC? 

Putting content—text, photos, videos, or reviews—is all that it is. Instead of the brand itself, users create these. Imagine other people stepping up as the storytellers for a brand or product.

Why Should You Use User-Generated Content?

Now, why should you bother with User-Generated Content? Well, there's magic in originality. It’s a strategic move that has several benefits. 

When your audience sees real people sharing their experiences, it creates a sense of originality and trust towards them. While traditional marketing struggles to achieve this. Trust leads to increased credibility and helps build a stronger connection between your brand and your customers. 

Moreover, utilizing UGC in your content strategy is a smart strategy. Your users basically become your content creators. They lighten your workload while providing various and genuine content. 

Types of User-Generated Content

There are various types of User-Generated Content, each of which has its own uniqueness. Here are the main types:

1. Customer Reviews and Testimonials

The simplest and often the most powerful form of UGC. Motivate your customers to share their experiences, whether through detailed reviews or short testimonials. 

This type of content increases credibility and helps customers make well-informed decisions.

2. Social Media Posts

Keep an eye on your brand mentions and hashtags related to your products. Sharing these posts on your official channels not only showcases your products but also gives your customers a moment in the spotlight.

Related: Mastering the Art of Social Media Abbreviations

3. User-Generated Images and Videos

Visuals speak louder than words. When users share photos or videos featuring your product, it's great. 

Related: How Video Content Improves Your SEO

Reposting these materials not only appreciates your customers but also provides authentic visual content for your brand.

4. Contests and Challenges

Add some excitement by hosting contests or challenges where users can submit their creations related to your brand. Whether it's a photo contest or a challenge to come up with the best caption. 

This type of UGC not only engages your audience but also shows their creativity.

5. Q&A Sessions and Polls

Engage your audience by letting them start the conversation. Host Q&A sessions where users can ask questions or polls where they can vote on their favorite products or features. 

This not only generates content but also gives you awareness of what your audience wants.

5 Tips to Help You Add UGC to Your Content Strategy

Now you have understood what UGC is and why it’s needed, let's see how to make it work for you. Here are five practical tips to smoothly add UGC into your content strategy:

1. Encourage and Motivate

People need a push to share their experiences. So, you can motivate your customers to create content. This could be as simple as featuring their content on your official channels. It can mean running exclusive promotions or even hosting contests with attractive prizes.

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Writing Digital Marketing Content

2. Create a Branded Hashtag

Make it easy for users to contribute by creating a branded hashtag. It helps track user-generated content and also builds a community around your brand. A good paragraph maker can suggest hashtag ideas that capture the essence of your brand.

The resulting user-generated content using your unique hashtag provides valuable insights into your customers and fans. So, share the hashtag on your social media and ask users to use it when posting about your products.

3. Showcase, Don't Control

While you can encourage a certain type of content, don't try to control the description too much. Let users express themselves authentically. Sometimes, the charm of UGC lies in its naturalness and variety. Trust your audience to showcase your brand in their own unique way.

4. Engage and Respond

When users take the time to create content for your brand, show them appreciation. Respond to their posts, express gratitude, and engage with their content. 

This not only strengthens the bond with existing customers but also encourages others to contribute.

5. Legal Considerations

Before getting into UGC, be aware of the legal aspects. Make sure you have clear guidelines about what kind of content is acceptable, especially if you plan to feature it on your official channels. Respect copyrights and ensure you have the necessary permissions from users to use their content.

3 Real User-Generated Content Examples

Let's take a quick look at how some brands have successfully utilized the power of User-Generated Content:

1. GoPro

GoPro, the action camera, has turned its users into a global army of content creators. They showcase thrilling videos of users surfing, skydiving, or exploring. 

GoPro has built a community around adventure. 

The brand encourages users to share their unedited footage, celebrating the raw and authentic moments captured with GoPro cameras.

2. Starbucks

Starbucks is no stranger to UGC. They run hashtag campaigns, encouraging customers to share their Starbucks moments. Whether it's a cozy reading book with a cup of coffee or a creative twist on the Starbucks logo. 

Users gladly contribute, turning their coffee breaks into a social media event.

3. Lush

Lush, the cosmetics brand, maximizes user-generated visuals. Customers often share vibrant bath bomb videos. 

By reposting these visuals, Lush not only showcases its products in action but also strengthens the sensory experience its products offer.

Wrapping Up

User-generated content isn't just a passing trend, it allows you to truly connect with your audience. By using users' creativity, you can increase your brand’s credibility and also promote a strong sense of community.

Remember, the key lies in encouragement, authenticity, and appreciation. So, go ahead, invite your users to be a part of your brand's story, and watch your content strategy grow fast.